Forestry at University of Maryland Eastern Shore

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53 suggests a manageable financial picture for forestry graduates, with estimated first-year earnings of $43,029 against $22,607 in debt. These figures come from national medians across similar programs, not from Maryland Eastern Shore's own graduates—the cohort here was too small for the Department of Education to publish. For a field like forestry, which typically serves government agencies, conservation organizations, and timber companies, starting salaries tend to be modest but stable, and this estimate aligns with that pattern.

The accessibility here matters: with a 90% admission rate and 53% of students receiving Pell grants, Maryland Eastern Shore serves students who might not have multiple options for pursuing forestry credentials. Similar bachelor's programs nationally cluster tightly around this $43,000 starting salary, suggesting the field itself sets the wage floor more than the institution. The real question is whether the estimated debt load will prove accurate for your student, since actual borrowing can vary significantly based on financial aid packages, in-state versus out-of-state status, and family contribution.

If your child is genuinely committed to forestry work—not just vaguely interested in environmental careers—this program's estimated numbers suggest a workable investment. But confirm actual aid offers and compare them against this $22,607 projection before committing, since that estimate is based on the broader student body, not specifically forestry majors.